Handbag with interchangeable components

ABSTRACT

A handbag comprising a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back; at least two integrated loops attached to the front and at least two integrated loops attached to the back; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of the integrated loops has at least one clip removably affixed thereto; and at least one first strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips removably affixed to the front loops and at least one second strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips removably affixed to the back loops.

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application of Frank Scozzafava, Ser. No. 61/177,022 for HANDBAG WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS, filed on May 11, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This patent application pertains to handbags, and more specifically, pertains to women's purses. For the most part, handbags comprise a base bag for holding objects and handles and/or a shoulder strap for carrying the bag. The base bag plays a large role in the appearance and function of the handbag and may be of a variety of colors and materials, such as fabric, leather or a synthetic material.

The desire to be able to modify the appearance of a handbag has been the focus of numerous patents. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,204 discloses a handbag have an interchangeable lid flap. The flap is removable by toggling a spring loaded clip for a vertical position to a horizontal position. When properly position, the clip slides through a groove located on the body of the handbag. To replace the flap, one positions the clip so that it slides through the groove in the handbag's body and projects into the cavity of the bag. The clip is then rotated preventing the clip from slipping through the hole and dislodging the cover flap. Although the cover is interchangeable, this design is limited in only allowing cover flaps of the correct size and orientation. This patent further does not describe or otherwise provide for replaceable ornamentation to be applied to the handbag.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,787, an interchangeable ornamental object system is described. The '787 patent provides a handbag with a magnetic closure in the body of the handbag and a corresponding magnet on the cover flap. The cover magnet is further adapted to accept an ornamental object such that the ornament projects outwardly from the handbag. Although describing an providing an interchangeable ornamental object, the '787 patent is limited in that the object can only be fastened at the clasp portion. Moreover, the system uses magnets which can become inconvenient when other magnetic items are in or near the bag, for instance loose change or paper clips and the like. Additionally, the '787 patent is limited to only describing an interchangeable clip and does not provide for modifying the straps of the handbag.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,723 discloses a handbag having an interchangeable outer shell. The bag base is equipped with a plurality of snap receptacles while an interchangeable shell is adapted to possess corresponding snap fasteners. The shell wraps around the base and is secured to the base by adhering the snap fasteners within the receptacles. The '723 patent further provides interchangeable straps which are attached to the body of the handbag by a clip mechanism. Nonetheless, the '723 patent has numerous drawbacks. First, the entire outer shell of the handbag must be changed when modifying the bag. This is time consuming and no longer usable once the snap receptacles wear out from repeated snapping and unsnapping. Moreover, the straps are a one-piece construction and do not permit changing both the clasp mechanism and the strap itself. In other words, if one has a red strap with a brass clasp but wants a red strap with a black clasp, the individual would need to have two separate straps and clasps. U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,643 is similar to the '723 patent, but rather than utilizing snaps, the '643 patent describes the use of hook-and-loop fastening means.

Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a handbag having a greater degree of personalization. The present disclosure describes a three-piece system of interchangeable components. The three-piece system comprises a handbag base unit, an interchangeable clip, and interchangeable straps. Additionally, interchangeable ornaments may be applied to the handbag base using the same or additional interchangeable clips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a handbag comprising a bag base with integrated hoops and interchangeable clips for attaching interchangeable components such as straps, handles, charms, etc. to the bag base.

It is another object of the invention to provide a handbag comprising interchangeable straps or handles that have an integrated loop to the straps or handles to the bag base using the interchangeable clips.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a selection of interchangeable components such as straps, handles, charms, etc. manufactured from a variety of materials such as including but not limited to fabric, leather, and synthetics.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a variety of clips that come in several shapes based on utility and aesthetics.

The objects of the invention are achieved by provision of an interchangeable handbag with a three part clip and loop design, with the ability to interchange the straps from the main base of the handbag. This is achieved by outfitting the base with an integrated loop, where a specially designed clip would then attach. All straps are made with integrated loops at the ends. The loops are then attached to the clip by sliding each end through the integral opening in the clip creating a finished product.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112 .

Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by numeral 10. Handbag article 10 is made up generally of bag base 12 having integrated loops 14 and/or 16; and optionally, handles 24 having loop ends 25, where a first loop end 25 is removably attached to a first bag base loop 14 by a first clip 20 while a second loop end 25 is removably attached to a second base loop 14 by a second clip 20; and optionally, adjustable shoulder strap 26 having a first loop end 27 which is removably attached to a first bag base loop 16 by a third clip 20 while a second loop end 27 is removable attached to a second bag base loop 16 by a fourth clip 20. A completed bag may comprise the bag base with two handles attached, a bag base with a shoulder strap attached, or a bag base having both handles and a strap attached. Although only the front side of bag base 12 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the back side of bag base 12 is constructed in an identical manner as described above.

Specifically, the interchangeable handbag is constructed through a three-piece system. In a preferred embodiment, interchangeable clips 20 are connected to the bag base by slipping one clip onto each of the loops 14 and/or loops 16. These clips can be selected, for instance, to coordinate with the handbag owner's wardrobe and can be made out of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc. Interchangeable adjustable shoulder strap 26 and/or handles 24 are then attached to the clips previously attached to the bag base. Again, straps 26 and 24 can be selected to coordinate with the handbag owner's wardrobe and can be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to cloth fabric, leather, plastic, etc. Conversely, clips 20 can be attached to the straps before being attached to the bag base loops.

Clips 20 are hooplike members that can be round, rectangular, roughly D-shaped, or any other shape. Clips can have an open profile, or a closed profile as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Closed profile clips can use a carabiner-like closing mechanism. Optionally, clips 20 can further comprise a spur on the interior surface of one or both open ends of the clip gap. These spurs prevent the straps from slipping free of the clips while the bag is being carried.

Additionally, the handbag of a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a bag base 10 having additional integrated loops 18. The number of additional integrated loops can be of any number and is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or 2. The additional loops 18 are used to accessorize the handbag using additional interchangeable components, such as but not limited to charms 30, and chains 22. Each of the components may be attached to the bag base loops using clips 20 or by an integrated clip on the component.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 

1. A handbag comprising: a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back; at least two integrated loops attached to the front and at least two integrated loops attached to the back; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of the integrated loops has at least one clip removably affixed thereto; and at least one first strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips removably affixed to the front loops and at least one second strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips removably affixed to the back loops.
 2. The hoop-like clip in claim 1, wherein the hoop-like clip is constructed of a metal or a rigid synthetic material.
 3. The hoop-like clip in claim 1, wherein the hoop-like clip comprises a partially open loop.
 4. The hoop-like clip in claim 3, wherein each hoop-like clip has an internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the hoop and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop-like clip proximate the gap.
 5. The hoop-like clip of claim 4, wherein a spur is proximate each of the two terminal ends.
 6. The partially open loop clip of claim 3, wherein the clip further comprises a carabiner-type closing mechanism.
 7. A handbag comprising: a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back; at least one integrated loop attached to the left side and at least one integrated loop attached to the right side; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of the integrated loops has at least one hoop-like clip removably affixed thereto; and at least one strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips.
 8. The hoop-like clip in claim 6, wherein the hoop-like clip is constructed of a metal or a rigid synthetic material.
 9. The hoop-like clip in claim 6, wherein the hoop-like clip comprises a partially open loop.
 10. The hoop-like clip in claim 8, wherein each hoop-like clip has an internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the hoop and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop-like clip proximate the gap.
 11. The hoop-like clip of claim 10, wherein a spur is proximate each of the two terminal ends.
 12. The partially open loop clip of claim 8, wherein the clip further comprises a carabiner-type closing mechanism.
 13. A method for constructing a handbag comprising: providing a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back; at least one integrated loop attached to the left side and at least one integrated loop attached to the right side; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of the integrated loops has at least one hoop-like clip removably affixed thereto; and at least one strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips; affixing a first hoop-like clip to a first loop on the bag base; affixing a second hoop-like clip to a second loop on the bag base; providing a strap having an integrated loop at each end of the strap; affixing a first end of a strap to the first hoop-like clip; and affixing a second end of the strap to the second hoop-like clip.
 14. The method of claim 15, wherein the hoop-like clip is constructed of a metal or a rigid synthetic material.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the hoop-like clip comprises a partially open loop.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein each hoop-like clip has an internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the hoop and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop-like clip proximate the gap.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a spur is proximate each of the two terminal ends.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the partially open loop clip further comprises a carabiner-type closing mechanism. 